Helicopter weddings are by far the most memorable part of an elopement wedding as reported by 100% of couples who choose to add a helicopter service to their elopement package. The dramatic scenes that the Southern Alps paint with valleys of snaking rivers laid out below are certainly spectacular. If you are going for a mountain-esque wedding, then you cannot go wrong with a Heli shoot and ceremony! You’ll surely have an epic ceremony among glacier lakes of stunning blues and greens, pure white untouched snow and of course, those mountains up close. Here are some of our favourite Queenstown Heli Wedding locations that will surely inspire you!

Taking a Heli adventure together on your special day is made even more incredible by sharing in the breathtaking scenery! Going to a new place, off the beaten track, experiencing the rush and thrill of having your own Helicopter adventure and of course, there’s the romance factor.

Options for adding an extra touch of luxury to your Elopement: 

Zone A

The Remarkables

Views from the Top –

The Remarkables are truly that – absolutely remarkable in their dramatic and sheer cliff drops. They are the first range that you see as you disembark from your plane, and they seem to say, Welcome to Queenstown, we know we take your breath away! 

With being so close to the airport, the spots that are offered for Heli weddings are only a few minutes away. 

There are two well-known spots:

Double Cone, at over 6,500ft, is rocky with that famous shingle rockface and then covered in picture-perfect snow in the winter. 

The Spur is just over 4,200ft, with expansive views over Lake Wakatipu and lots of depth with tussocky features to capture and perfect for larger ceremonies with groups.

Flight Time – 

5 minutes tops to either of these magnificent spots, making them an ideal location if you are having a ceremony and want to add on a Heli shoot. 

Snow Action – 

Plenty of snow in the winter! Springtime is also a great opportunity for gorgeous white wedding shots. These ranges also catch the sun over the hotter months, so snow is not really to be found. What will endure all seasons is that incredible view and the breathtaking vastness of the mountains from such a height. 

Illumination – 

Queenstown’s premier golden hour is known to be the famous Double Cone – where you will have front-row seats to the changing colours of the sky around you. We can easily book this to be the last location of your day in order to enjoy the show, and capture those iconic Queenstown Heli wedding shots that you dream of. 

Price – $1400 

Pair with – 

Due to the short flight time, you can pair this adventure with any other location, either from Zone A or Zone B. If you want to keep the Golden Hour for this location then a great pairing with The Remarkables would be Bayonet Peak, especially if you want to start out somewhere a bit more sheltered before heading to the towering Remarkables. 

Cecil Peak 

Views from the Top – 

Cecil Peak truly captures the essence of Queenstown, with the township spread below and the classic Earnslaw steamship gliding below on the mirror surface of Lake Wakatipu. It doesn’t get much more iconic than this! So, if Queenstown holds a special meaning for you, this could be your dream location. The ultimate spot is known as The Ledge. 

Flight Time – 

5 minutes from Queenstown – making this ideal as a first location or if you just want to add on a Heli adventure to your on-ground ceremony. 

Snow Action – 

Winter brings plenty of the white stuff at this classic location, which is reliably between late June and up until the end of July. Higher up you have the Garden Spur which will hold onto its snow longer than the more popular The Ledge. This location is known for a shorter season of snow being guaranteed, so keep this shorter frame in mind when deciding on the time of the year for your wedding and pairing it with this particular Heli Location…

Illumination – 

Sunset skies are hard to beat from Cecil Peak. To make the most of the ever-changing hues of the sky, as the day turns to dusk, make sure to plan this location as your final stop. 

Price – $1400

Pair With – 

Cecil Peak is the original go-to Heli Wedding location, and you can see why when you arrive, it truly delivers epic mountain backdrops, with that iconic Queenstown feel. As it is only a 5-minute flight, you can pair Cecil Peak with almost any other flight. Adding a stop at Lochnagar, Lake Erskine or Earnslaw Burn is highly recommended. 

See more Elopements at Cecil Peak –

A Mystical Autumn Elopement at Cecil Peak, Queenstown

A Traveller’s Elopement at Moke Lake, Queenstown (couple photos at Cecil Peak)

Bayonet Peak

Views from the Top – 

Bayonet Peaks has a special place in the heart of many who visit the area. Overlooking Cecil Peak as well as the mighty Remarkable Range and the valley spread out towards Cecil Peak station. You get the choice of two locations here – the lower terrace and for those who want higher altitudes to play in, you have one near the summit. Both have that golden-tipped tussocks look with rocky outcrops in the background – very Lord of the Rings. And of course, the ever-iconic Lake Wakatipu is spread out in both directions below. 

Flight time – 

Approx 5 minutes there and back, just perfect for an air adventure before the main event. 

Illumination –

A sheltered spot from the alpine winds means we can truly capture the light that is on offer, especially from the higher of the two locations. As far as sunsets go, this location offers a different take on the light than what you see closer to Queenstown but is just as spectacular – with light scudding the cloud lining valleys below. 

Price – $1400

Pair with –

With a short flight time, you can pair Bayonet Peak with almost any other location on this list. 

See more Elopements at Bayonet Peak –

Love is in the Chilly Air: A Lowkey Winter Elopement in Queenstown (Second Location for Couple’s Photos)

Roundhill

Views from the Top – 

Roundhill is a gorgeous mountain right beside Cecil Peak and is growing to be one of our new fave locations. It’s a great spot because it’s usually dry and doesn’t have too much snow. It offers not just a gorgeous view of Cecil Peak, but also of Bayonet Peak, as well as a 360 view of a lot of famous Queenstown spots like Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and many more!

Flight time – 

A few minutes from the heliport and you can see an amazing view of the area!

Illumination –

Other than awesome lighting, Roundhill is a great spot because you won’t be seeing houses or any sign of Queenstown from up there so it’s perfect for photos. Just you and the wilderness!

Price – $1400

Pair with –

Pair with Bayonet Peak, The Remarkables and Cecil Peak for a short flight and an awesome view of Queenstown

See more Elopements at Roundhill –

Love is in the Chilly Air: A Lowkey Winter Elopement in Queenstown (First Location for Couple’s Photos)

Lake Hope

Views from the Top – 

A gorgeous alpine lake on top of the Remarkables, Lake Hope is a secluded spot we love for its sparkling waters and amazing landscape, and since the area is quite sheltered, the reflections on the water are absolutely exquisite! It’s surrounded by mountains so there are no overlooking views of other Queenstown areas (great if you don’t want any hint of civilization in your photos!), but it’s only accessible from late October until May so plan your dates accordingly if you want your special moments captured in Lake Hope.

Flight time – 

Located at the Remarkables, it takes just 10 minutes to reach Lake Hope. One of our newer landing locations this is perfect if you are after something unique and not so well known.

Snow Action –

The lake freezes over during the winter, so the best time to visit this location is during early Summer or Spring since there will still be a little bit of snow, but the lake isn’t solid ice so the water sparkles in the sun.

Illumination –

Lake Hope is glorious during the spring and summer, with the sunshine reflecting on the water. Though the lake can freeze over during the winter, the snow can look amazing in photos with tussock peeking through.. if the day is particularly overcast the lighting really adds an incredible moody vibe to the images.

Price – $1400

Pair with –

It’s a great second landing to pair with Cecil Peak, Remarkables, Bayonet or Round Hill.

Zone B

Tyndal Glacier 

Views from the Top – 

Tyndal Glacier is the ultimate alpine wedding experience, with snow year-round, icy backdrops with inky glacial colours and an arctic snaking river running through the valley below. Especially perfect if you require that snow-capped look and want to truly be swept away to your own private winter wonderland. You also get to feast on views of the valleys below, with rolling tussock grasslands. 

Snow Action – 

This location is your dream winter wonderland backdrop! With the magic that is a helicopter ride to your very own alpine Glacier as your wedding spot, this will be a guaranteed white wedding you will never forget. Plenty of white stuff! 

Flight Time –

Approx 20 minutes. This spot is off the beaten track of Heli locations, so is super private and adds to the special feel of your day. 

Illumination – 

Tyndal Glacier is good to go at any hour, so you can add a second location which is known for its epic golden hour when you plan to visit this location. 

Price – $4,150

Pair With – 

Great as an adventure all of its own, as this is one of the more remote locations. If you want to pair this location with anything else, you could go for Coromandel Peak or Lochnagar which are near or go with a location from  Zone A. You could pair this with a sunrise ceremony and then fly to Tyndall Glacier for an epic shoot. It is a colder climate than most, so having less time on the Glacier but more time in the air, is a nice way to experience the best of all the alpine worlds.

Lake Erskine

Views from the Top-

With a frozen alpine lake nestled in Fiordland, snow drifts to dance in and a stunning summer waterfall, this location is a favourite with many in the business of Heli weddings. In winter time you get the perfect white wedding with the entire mountain area covered in snow-drenched vistas. During summer, the waterfall from the melted lake stuns and you still get to bask in the views of snow-capped mountains all around. 

Snow Action – 

There is plenty of snow here throughout the winter, being the alpine adventure that you can never forget, Lake Erskine certainly delivers on the snow front. In Summer snow is more scarce, although the scene spread out around you does not disappoint with the sun catching the sparkles on the stunning turquoise lake. 

Flight Time-

Approx 20 minutes. This has got to be one of the most incredible flights between take-off and setting down, in a remote location that will blow you away. 

Illumination – 

This location is perfect for any time of the day, meaning you can be flexible about when you visit Lake Erskine, pairing with another location where you can find that everlasting ‘golden hour.’ 

Price – $4,150

Pair with – 

Cecil peak for golden hour/sunset shots to go along with your epic alpine lake photos. 

Earnslaw Burn

Views from the Top-

With stunning waterfalls cascading down the rock face of the majestic cliffs, turning to icicles in the winter, & a snow-capped glacier sitting atop the schist cliffs. Earnslaw Burn is absolutely mystical and stunning. Lord of the Rings had a famous scene filmed here, so the otherworldly feel is captured while you and your loved one enjoy views not easily forgotten. A remote kingdom of winter wonderland, have your wedding dreams come true at one of the top locations on offer in Zone B. 

Snow Action – 

This location is not so enjoyable in the depths of winter as the deep valley does not see the light for long. It is best to avoid Earnslaw Burn in June-August, or be lost in the snow!  The snow melts over the warmer months, creating the stunning waterfall effect over the cliff face, which is just about as romantic as you can get. 

Flight Time-

Approx 20 minutes. This can be paired with locations in the area, especially those in the Summer which also shine, such as Big geordie and Lake Erskine.

Illumination –  

As mentioned not a great location for winter unless you land higher up beside a gorgeous alpine tarn and the glacier in the background. Not a good spot for a sunset.

Price – $3,720

Pair with – 

Big Geordie or Lake Erskine is best to pair with this location. 

See more Elopements at Earnslaw Burn –

An Adventurous Elopement Beneath a Waterfall at Earnslaw Burn, Queenstown

Coromandel Peak

Views from the Top-

One of the most popular locations for reasons well known – offering up the classic Wanaka mountain and lake combination with stunning views year-round. This is a sheltered location and captures the dramatic rocky landscape surrounding as well as the valleys below. In winter, it is covered in snow and will be all yours. 

If you have ever seen the infamous Roys Peak view on Instagram, then you will recognize this iconic view – minus the 6-hour hike to get there! 

Snow Action – 

Winter seasons bring snow to this location, creating a beautiful blanket of snow over the rock outcrops and capturing snow-covered valleys. In the Summer the snow is more scarce, the views, of course, do make up for it.

Flight Time-

Another more remote location, with an exciting 20-minute helicopter ride – it is also one of the most beautiful scenic flights. 

Illumination – 

This location is known to be a popular Golden Hour spot. With mountains and skies being reflected in the mirrored lakes, you will find yourself caught in an unforgettable moment at sunset. 

Price – $3,600

Pair with – 

This location is easily paired with any of the other Zone A or B locations. Many couples choose to stop off at Lochnager or Tyndall Glacier on the way. 

See more Elopements at Coromandel Peak –

Sunshine After the Rain at Coromandel Peak, Wanaka

Third Time’s a Charm: A Love-filled Adventure at Jackspoint, New Zealand (couple photos at Coromandel Peak)

A Magical Samhain Elopement at Coromandel Peak, Queenstown

Lake Lochnager

Views from the Top-

Nestled between alpine giants, Lake Lochnager is one of the more remote locations between Queenstown and Wanaka. This sparking turquoise lake has pretty features such as an old hiking hut and a secret waterfall spot, so it makes for a charming mountain wedding location. You may even see the majestic deers and stags in the yonder distance! 

Snow Action – 

There is not much snow here in the warmer months. Even in winter, the snow is more of a smattering than those knee-deep snow ledges further afield. Nevertheless, the surrounding ranges make a pretty scene, dripping in white blankets of snow no matter the season. 

Flight Time-

Approx 20 minutes. A remote mountain lake that is one of the prettiest alpine lake locations, Lake Lochnager is larger than other alpine lakes as well and boasts many different cove beaches to land on and capture a dream mountain lake shoot. 

Illumination – 

Lake Lochnager loses its light a bit earlier than the other peaks surrounding it. You can get the bonus of an earlier Golden Hour which is especially nice in the Summer months as sunset can be closer to 9 pm! 

Price – $4,150

Pair with – 

Being approx 20 mins flight, our favourite locations to team this remote lake location with are Coromandel Peak and Tyndal Glacier. This works best with our 4 or 6-hour packages. 

See more Elopements at Lake Lochnagar –

Starting a New Chapter with a Lake Lochnagar Elopement, Queenstown

Mount Crighton

“Big Geordie”

Views from the Top-

For an adventurous and intimate Heli wedding, this remote location is a must-do. It is further afield up towards the head of the lake, which borders the mighty Reece and Dart Rivers. Overlooking the islands, Pig and Pigeon, Mount Crighton is a breathtaking viewpoint of every aspect that makes the great Southern Alps so captivating. 

Snow Action – 

As this location is so high up you are guaranteed to be in the snow, especially in winter and early spring. It is a colder location than many due to this, bring the whiskey for a toast! The rest of the year is temperate with nice thick alpine grass and rolling tussocks. 

Flight Time- 

10-15 minutes from Queenstown, which means a little extra flight time that won’t bust your budget. 

Illumination – 

Sunset shoots are perfect for this location, as the light is dramatic in all the right ways – there is nothing as romantic as a stunning mountain sunset at the conclusion of your alpine wedding day. 

Price – $2,090

Pair with – 

Mount Erskine and Earnslaw Burn are both perfect companions for this incredible location to the head of the lake, take an extra adventure and make the most of your mountain wedding. 

See more Elopements at Mount Crighton –

An Adventurous Elopement Beneath a Waterfall at Earnslaw Burn, Queenstown (couple photos at Mount Crighton)

Mount Crighton

“Lake Luna”

Views from the Top – 

Tucked behind Big Geordie, Lake Luna is another one of our fave spots. Lake Luna gives off the classic NZ landscape, with a lovely grassy area, surrounded by tussock. It also has a backcountry hut (with a jetty!)

Flight time – 

A little bit further than the others, Lake Luna is located near Glenorchy so it’s a great location to pair with Big Geordie.

Snow Action –

Snow doesn’t get as deep in Lake Luna during the winter months. The landscape looks beautiful with the grass and tussock peeking through the blanket of snow covering the area.

Illumination –

Lake Luna looks the best during the warmer seasons, but it can also be a great alternative to your initial location if the weather turns bad on your elopement day.

Price – $2140

Pair with –

It’s a great second landing to pair with Big Geordie.

Lake Isobel

Views from the Top – 

Lake Isobel is very similar to Lake Hope, just a little bit bigger. This alpine lake located on top of Mt Creighton offers amazing views of the Queenstown area & Lake Wakatipu, unlike Lake Hope, so there’s a little bit more variety when it comes to scenic backgrounds. Like Lake Hope, it’s only accessible in late October until May.

Flight time – 

10-15 minutes from Queenstown, so just a short flight (great if you’re scared of being in the air for too long!)

Snow Action –

Like Lake Hope, Lake Isobel freezes over during the winter and can get quite snowy, so make sure to pack winter boots and your fave coat to keep you warm.

Illumination –

The best time to visit Lake Isobel is during spring and summer, ideally during the October- December months to fully appreciate this amazing spot. But if you love the snow it is an incredible backdrop for a magical winter wonderland.

Price – $2140

Pair with –

It’s a great second landing to pair with Cecil Peak, Mt Crieghton, Bayonet Peak or Round Hill.

In conclusion…

If you are still finding it hard to pick a Heli location for your epic mountain wedding with all the stunning scenery on offer, then rest assured, we are here to help. Once you have booked your package, we will get in touch to plan an online meetup to discuss any of the questions you may have about an aerial alpine adventure in Queenstown. 

We hope that our favourite heli wedding locations in Queenstown have inspired you. Getting married atop the world will certainly top the list of most memorable moments in your life. Let’s get it right and plan it just how the two of you would like, an experience that reflects the union that you will go on to share as a married couple.

Let the Southern Alps be the backdrop to your own epic adventure!